A teenage boy in the UK has made medical history by becoming the first person in the world to receive a brain implant to help control his severe epilepsy. Oran Knowlson, who used to experience hundreds of seizures a day, had a neurostimulator implanted at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The neurostimulator, which is placed under the skull, works by sending electrical signals deep into the brain to reduce the frequency of seizures. Since having the implant fitted, Oran has seen a significant improvement, with his daytime seizures decreasing by 80%. This groundbreaking procedure offers hope to individuals with epilepsy who have not responded well to traditional treatments. The success of Oran's surgery paves the way for further advancements in the field of epilepsy treatment and management.

A groundbreaking gene therapy trial has successfully restored hearing in both ears for five children who were born deaf. These children, who were unable to hear due to inherited genetic mutations affecting the production of a crucial protein for auditory signal transmission, can now locate sound sources, recognize speech, and even dance to music. The results of the trial have been described as "astounding" and offer hope for the development of further treatments for individuals with hearing impairments caused by genetic factors. The gene therapy used in the trial was able to address the underlying genetic mutations, allowing the children to regain their hearing abilities. This breakthrough in gene therapy for hearing loss represents a significant advancement in the field of medical research and has the potential to transform the lives of individuals with inherited deafness. The success of this trial opens up new possibilities for the treatment of genetic hearing disorders and paves the way for future advancements in gene therapy for hearing restoration.